PESHAWAR – Expressing immense frustration during a contempt of court hearing, Peshawar high Court (PHC) Chief Justice S.M. Attique Shah stated that terrorism is burning parts of the province.
The chief justice revealed that authorities even denied him security clearance to visit Dera Ismail Khan. This highlight showcases the severity of the KPK security crisis.
Justice Ejaz Khan also joined the two-member bench. They heard a petition regarding the non-implementation of a larger bench’s orders. These orders aimed to reform the criminal justice system and strengthen the prosecution department.
“This province belongs to 40 million people, and it is burning. If any government officer is not doing their job, we will order their removal,” Chief Justice Shah warned.
Missing Infrastructure and Outrageous Costs
The absolute lack of a forensic science laboratory in the province caused a major point of contention. The court noted with embarrassment that KP currently sends its DNA samples to Lahore for testing.
- Cost Per Test: Each individual DNA test costs the public exchequer Rs. 1.1 million.
- Lack of Local Infrastructure: Despite decades of administrative governance, KP still cannot process its own forensic evidence locally.
- High Acquittal Rates: A weak prosecution system and flawed investigations allow a vast majority of criminal suspects to walk free.
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The chief justice questioned why administrative officers hesitate to serve in sensitive southern districts like Karak, Tank, and DI Khan. He pointed out that a female district and sessions judge successfully performs her duties in Karak despite the risks.
Government Promises Reforms and Action Plan
KPK Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and the Advocate General submitted a supplementary report following the court’s grilling. The report detailed ongoing implementation strategies.
They assured the court of the following initiatives:
- FSL Establishment: The government has now included the creation of a dedicated forensic science laboratory in the Annual Development Programme (ADP).
- Legal Overhauls: Authorities designed a PC-1 project worth Rs. 550 million to remove loopholes in existing criminal laws.
- Zero Tolerance for Corruption: The chief justice urged the chief secretary to weed out incompetent and corrupt elements. He noted that the judiciary itself recently dismissed 21 corrupt judicial officers.
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The court offered full judicial backing against any political interference or external pressure. Finally, the bench directed the chief secretary to personally oversee the reforms and submit a comprehensive progress report by July 1. The court adjourned the hearing until then.
